Super Absorbent Polymer, Or "Gellin" It"
Super absorbent polymer (SAP) was first used in disposable baby diapers by Japan in 1983.
Since that time, manufacturers of baby diapers and personal incontinence products have improved the process so that nowadays most manufacturers, and especially the makers of better quality adults diapers and briefs, put polymer in their products.
We see in the descriptions of these products the terms polymer, super absorbent polymer, absorbent polymer, absorbent beads, etc.
Just what does that mean? Super absorbent polymer is a material that has the ability to absorb and retain large volumes of liquid, up to 400-500 times its own weight.
The polymer is a granular material that looks a bit like granulated sugar.
The little granules each soak up liquid and hold it, sort of like a little balloon filled with air, but these are filled with liquid, turning the mass of liquid into a gel.
A poplar nickname for absorbent polymer is "super slurper".
A disposable diaper is made in layers.
The top layer is permeable so the fluid can quickly pass through.
It is a material that does not absorb, so it stays dry next to the skin.
The middle layer is made of fluff material to catch the fluid, with SAP (super absorbent polymer) either layered in or blended in with the fluff.
This causes the liquid to gel into a more solid state and prevents it from leaking onto skin and clothing.
Of course, the outer layer is nonpermeable to hold the moisture in and away from clothing.
Manufacturers of baby and adult diapers have developed their own ways for the liquid to be quickly absorbed, which is an important consideration; and then for the liquid to be distributed along the core equally instead of gelling up only in one place.
They have special names for their processes: "3-part core", "target acquisition zone", "peach mat design", "advanced technological design", and others.
Look for this in the product descriptions when you are looking for a personal product.
Disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products are the largest user of super absorbent polymer, but there are other uses too.
It is used as a waste solidifier for medical and industrial waste.
The material is solidified so that it can be handled easily and hauled away for disposal.
There are other interesting places where it is used that may surprise you.
You will find it in fragrance sticks, hot packs and cold packs, wound dressings, artificial snow in movies and on stage, grow-in-water toys, motionless waterbeds, potting soil, fire retardant.
Since that time, manufacturers of baby diapers and personal incontinence products have improved the process so that nowadays most manufacturers, and especially the makers of better quality adults diapers and briefs, put polymer in their products.
We see in the descriptions of these products the terms polymer, super absorbent polymer, absorbent polymer, absorbent beads, etc.
Just what does that mean? Super absorbent polymer is a material that has the ability to absorb and retain large volumes of liquid, up to 400-500 times its own weight.
The polymer is a granular material that looks a bit like granulated sugar.
The little granules each soak up liquid and hold it, sort of like a little balloon filled with air, but these are filled with liquid, turning the mass of liquid into a gel.
A poplar nickname for absorbent polymer is "super slurper".
A disposable diaper is made in layers.
The top layer is permeable so the fluid can quickly pass through.
It is a material that does not absorb, so it stays dry next to the skin.
The middle layer is made of fluff material to catch the fluid, with SAP (super absorbent polymer) either layered in or blended in with the fluff.
This causes the liquid to gel into a more solid state and prevents it from leaking onto skin and clothing.
Of course, the outer layer is nonpermeable to hold the moisture in and away from clothing.
Manufacturers of baby and adult diapers have developed their own ways for the liquid to be quickly absorbed, which is an important consideration; and then for the liquid to be distributed along the core equally instead of gelling up only in one place.
They have special names for their processes: "3-part core", "target acquisition zone", "peach mat design", "advanced technological design", and others.
Look for this in the product descriptions when you are looking for a personal product.
Disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products are the largest user of super absorbent polymer, but there are other uses too.
It is used as a waste solidifier for medical and industrial waste.
The material is solidified so that it can be handled easily and hauled away for disposal.
There are other interesting places where it is used that may surprise you.
You will find it in fragrance sticks, hot packs and cold packs, wound dressings, artificial snow in movies and on stage, grow-in-water toys, motionless waterbeds, potting soil, fire retardant.
